Frequently Asked Questions – Astrid & Flo

 

For Families:

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What types of household staff do you place?

Astrid & Flo is a boutique household staffing agency specialising in the placement of experienced Nannies and Mannies, Maternity Nurses, Governesses, Housekeepers, House Managers, Butlers, Domestic Couples, Private Chefs and Personal Assistants.

We place staff in London, Dubai, across the UK, Europe and internationally, working closely with private, HNW and UHNW families.

 

How do you vet and screen your candidates?

Every candidate placed by Astrid & Flo undergoes a thorough and personal vetting process. This includes:

• An in-depth interview

• Full reference checks

• Enhanced DBS (or international equivalent)

• Verification of qualifications, including Paediatric First Aid and relevant childcare or professional certifications

We only represent candidates we would feel confident placing in our own households.

 

How long does it take to hire household staff?

Timelines depend on the role and brief.

• For nannies and housekeepers, we can often present shortlisted candidates within 1–2 weeks, and in some cases within a few days.

• For specialist, senior, part-time or after-school roles, the search may take longer to ensure the right long-term match.

We are always transparent about timelines and will advise you realistically from the outset.

 

Do you provide employment contracts and NDAs?

Yes. Where required, we provide bespoke employment contract templates and NDAs tailored to the role and jurisdiction, helping to protect both families and staff.

 

Do I need to put my Nanny or Housekeeper on payroll?

In the UK, full-time household staff must be legally employed through payroll, with tax and National Insurance contributions paid correctly. This may differ if they are part-time.

We can introduce you to trusted payroll providers who manage this process seamlessly on your behalf.

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Can household staff travel with us internationally?

Yes. Many of our candidates are experienced in international travel and hold valid UK or EU passports or visas. We regularly place staff who travel with families worldwide, either short-term or long-term.

 

How much does a Nanny or Housekeeper cost in London, the UK, Europe or Dubai?

Salaries vary depending on the role, experience, live-in or live-out status, location and responsibilities. As a general guide:

• Nannies / Mannies: £40,000–£70,000+ gross per year

• Housekeepers: £40,000–£55,000+ gross per year

• Governesses: £55,000–£100,000+ gross per year

• House Managers: £60,000–£100,000+ gross per year

We will always advise you on current market rates to ensure your role attracts high-quality candidates.

 

What happens if the placement doesn’t work out?

We offer a guarantee period (full details outlined in our Terms). If a placement does not work out within this period, we will offer a replacement search and/or refund, depending on the circumstances.

 

For Candidates

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What kind of families do you work with?

We work with HNW and UHNW families, high-profile principals, professionals and expatriate families based in London, Dubai, Europe and internationally.

 

Do I need formal qualifications to register?

Not always. Requirements depend on the role:

• For Nannies and Governesses, a Level 3 childcare qualification or teaching background is preferred.

• For Housekeepers, strong private household experience is essential.

Each role is assessed individually, based on the family’s brief.

 

Do I need to speak more than one language?

No, although additional languages such as French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic or Russian are often highly valued by families.

 

How do I register with Astrid & Flo?

You can submit your CV through our website or email us directly. If your profile matches current or upcoming roles, a consultant will contact you to arrange an interview.

 

Do candidates pay a registration fee?

No. Our services are completely free for candidates. All agency fees are paid by families.

 

Can you help with contracts and payroll?

Yes. We ensure you receive a fair employment contract and can connect you with reputable payroll providers where required.

 

General Questions

 

Where is Astrid & Flo based?

We are based in London and Dubai, and place household staff worldwide.

 

Why choose Astrid & Flo?

Astrid & Flo is a boutique, highly personalised household staffing agency. Our background spans private household management, executive assistance and nannying, giving us a deep understanding of both family and staff needs.

We focus on matching personalities, values and long-term compatibility, not just skills on paper.

 

How do I get started?

Families: Contact us directly or complete our registration form. We’ll take a detailed brief and begin the search immediately.

Candidates: Submit your CV and supporting documents or apply for a role via our website. If suitable, we’ll arrange an interview and represent you for appropriate roles.